Yarkent

Yarkend is a city in the North-Western China in the valley of the Yarkend River on the western edge of Takla-Makan sand dessert to the South-East from Kashgar and to the North-West from Khotan. In ancient times it was the place for halt of caravans.

Yarkent

This is oasis and city in Xinjiang-Uygur Autonomous Region of China, located to the south-east from Kashgar and to the north-west from Hotan 1189 meters above the sea level. It is divided into It gives its name from the Yarkend River. The old city consists of several districts surrounded by walls. It was as a place for caravan’s halt which were moving on the Great Silk Road. Yarkend became known from 2-nd century BC. In the end of the 1-st century Yarkend was submitted to Han troops of Ban Chao and gave up the leadership to neighboring oases Kashgar and Kargalyk. It was revived in the times of Tan dynasty. In the 3-d century it was conquered by Mongols and it was called as the pearl in Chagatai nomad camp.

In the end of 16th century Yarkend accepted the supremacy of Kashgar rulers. Yarkend became the part of Chinese empire in the middle of 18th century. Yarkend oasis occupies the area of 3210 sq. km and it differs by fruitful soil. Horse breeding, sheep breeding and camel breeding are well developed here. City is also well known by its fabrics. The population of Yarkend is mostly Uygur-Muslims, Chinese people and also Indian people and Tajiks. The main sightseeing places of this ancient city are Altyn mosque, where walls are covered with painted patterns, and the tomb Amanisahan (1526-1560) – the wife of local ruler. It is also possible to see several Khans’ tombs more near the tomb in the ancient graveyard.